Improvement in steam-engine slide-valves



UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES WHITTIER, OF ROXBURY, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO UNION STEAMVALVE COMPANY.

IMPROVEMENT IN STEAM-ENGINE SLIDE-VALVES.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent N0. 72,707, dated December24, 1867.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CHARLES WHITTIER, of Roxbury, in the county ofNorfolk and State of Massachusetts, have invented a new and usefulImprovement in Balance Slide-4 Valves, of which the following is a full,clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accompanyingdrawings, making a partot' this specification, in which- Figure lrepresents in part an elevation and partly a longitudinal verticalsection of the cylinder, valves, 8vo., embodying my improvement. Fig. 2is a partial plan view of the top ofthe same, and also a partial view ofthe bottom with cover removed. Fig. 3 is a transverse vertical sectionthrough one end of the valve-chest and cylinder.

The object of my invention is to so arrange and locate a balanceslide-valve in relation to the ports that by a very limited movementotthe valve a large opening can be produced for the passage of the steamdirectly into the cylinder with very little Waste-steam room between thevalve and the cylinder; and the invention consists in the arrangement ofthe valves so that they will operate at right angles with or crosswiseto the axis of the cylinder, and as close to the inlet as practicable. Aseries ot'openings is provided in the valves so as to admit the steaminstantly and simultaneously through a corresponding series of openingsleading to the main passage, and with full pressure into or across theWhole diameter ot' the cylinder. The exhaust-valve is operatedindependently of the inlet or steam valve, and is similarly located inrelation to the cylinder, the arrangement of the same being inverted inits relation to the inside ofthe cylinder, so that the steam may alwaysenter the valve first, and from thence pass through the ports into theeduction-passa-ge or condenser, as the case may be.

My invention is more particularly applicable to engines of large size,and also to variable cut-oii's, although it may be used with advantagein engines of the ordinary size.

Referring to the drawings, a represents the casing of the cylinder andvalve-chest. b b are the heads ofthe valve-chambers. d is the openingfortheentrance of steam to the steamchest e. ois the cylinder, and p thepiston.

At each end of the valve-chest is placed a valve, f, formed withinclined sides, as shown in Fig. 1, and arranged transversely across thechest over the ends of the cylinder, and at right angles with the axisof the same. A series of openings are formed-in the valves, as shown inFig. 3, which correspond with a series of ports in the wall g, the portscommunicating with or opening into the passage leading to the cylinder.There are four valves, one at each end of the valve-chest above andbelow, the two upper ones forming the steam or inlet and the two lowerones the exhaust valves. The valves are placed as near as practicable tothe entrance and to the exit of the steam into and from the cylinder.The valves are designed to be formed with webs extending transverselyacross the same between each opening, or at suitable intervals, in orderto strengthen them. The under side of the valve is provided with agroove or recess to allow the steam to pass through and thus balance thevalve.

l represents the exhaust-valve, placed in the lower part of the chest ateach end, and is formed similarly to the inlet or steam valve f, havingopenings communicating with ports that lead to the exhaust-passage n.The exhaust-steam passes from the cylinder through the outlets orpassages 7c le into the valves l, and thence through the ports in thewalls to the exhaust-passage a. The faces of the valves tit and movesteam-tight in the walls g g and m m, and the walls may be cast with thecylinder. By thus arranging the valves a large opening will be securedfor the steam to enter the cylinder With a very limited movement of thevalves, thus rendering them particularly applicable to variable cut-offsand to large cylinders, and securing with a less expenditure ot' power asimple, sure, and efficient means for supplying and regulating theamount of steam required tor the engine.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim, and desire to secureby Letters Patent, 1s-

The arrangement ot' the balance slid e-valves in relation to the steamchest and cylinder, as and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereofl have signed my name to this specification in thepresence of two subseribing witnesses.

CHARLES WHITTIER.

Witnesses:

J. H. ADAMS, JAMES A. WOODBUEY.'

